Eye Infection

Eye Infection

Herbal treatments to help relieve common eye infections in dogs and cats.

Nutrition plays a major role in bone, teeth, skin and coat health and is the result of a well-functioning, synchronized effort by the immune systems and tissues and organs in the body. Plant botanicals support the process of free radical scavenging, the skin’s ability to withstand the effects of environmental exposure to toxins, antigens and microorganisms by maintaining proper liver, adrenal, immune, and intestinal function; protect the skin and all connective tissues, including the joints; to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the joints, acidify urine, improve immune function and build resistance to allergies.

Eye infections are very common amongst pets, usually affecting the conjunctiva, which is a thin membrane covering the front of the eye. When the conjunctiva is infected, it leads to conjunctivitis or pink eye and causes the eye to become swollen, red, inflamed and filled with blood. Your pet will likely experience a lot of pain and may claw or scratch at its eyes for relief.

Other common eye problems such as Cherry Eye and dry eye (Kerato-conjunctivitis sicca) also occur as a result of infection in the eye and surrounding structure. Eye infections may develop in one or both eyes, and tends to be more common in dogs than cats.

The cat breeds most at risk for eye infection include Persian and hairless cat breeds. If you suspect that your pet has an eye infection, consult your vet immediately. Eye infections that are left untreated can lead to severe and permanent damage, including blindness.

Eye problems may develop as a result of a variety of bacterial infections, viral infections, canine distemper virus, allergies or birth defects. Foreign objects lodged in the eye can cause physical damage to the eye as well as eye infections.

Other causes of eye infections include eye diseases such as dry eyes, anterior uveitis, ulcerative keratitis, and glaucoma, internal diseases, feline respiratory disease, Lyme disease or irritants such as smoke, reactions to drugs, chemicals such as dryer sheets, lawn chemicals or polluted water.

Herbal Remedies:

Herbal remedies can help to promote eye health, reduce inflammation, support vision, and clear eye infections due to their eye-cleansing and detoxifying effects on eye tissues; provide immune boosting properties; help to relieve pain and soothe eye discomfort, help to support healthy eyes and maintain problem free vision and shiny and bright eyes.

I’m Allergic to Needles – (learn more) is used for proper pancreatic support, health and function, charged with producing proper insulin levels, for all types of diabetes I and II, to reduce glucose levels in blood and for insulin resistance, to improve the glycemic index in pets with diabetes, to regulate metabolic stress, and maintain proper liver metabolism, circulation, bile production and flow, for hepatic immune function, useful in regulating excess weight and fatty deposits.

Gland Candy - (learn more) contains healthy fatty Omega 3 acids used in the treatment of skin conditions and to promote healthy skin and coat, to support and tone the lymphatic system, to balance glandular activities including the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, to support and maintain healthy thyroid function and to soothe the thyroid and endocrine system, for allergies, alopecia, allergic dermatitis, moist dermatitis (hot spots), to stimulate tissue repair and for all types of arthritis.

Yelp for Kelp - (learn more) provides critical trace nutrient support for the endocrine system, to energize the body, for building and toning enzymes, tissues, hormones and bones, for enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification, for anemia, as an osteoporosis preventative, to promote immunity and for metabolic disorders, including the thyroid gland and other glands and tissues that affect the thyroid, for thyroid disorders, to cleanse the lymphatic system, to maintain healthy levels of TSH, T3 and T4, and for metabolic disorders.

Other helpful suggestions:

Good nutrition is vital. Feed your pet’s high quality pet food or organic foods high in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, free of corn, wheat, soy, preservatives and additives.

Remember to check your pet’s eyes when they’ve been out in long grass, grass awns have a nasty habit of wriggling their way into the corners of your pet’s eye and cause much discomfort.

Keep a careful eye on your dogs and cats when introducing a new kitten or puppy into the house. Many a dog and cat has had to be treated for corneal scratches.

Conventional Remedies:

The diagnosis of an eye infection is based on the symptoms and a thorough eye examination which involves the conjunctiva, external eyelids and third eyelid.

Tests such as an ophthalmoscopic examination and a Schirmer tear test are often conducted to determine if enough tears are being produced. A fluorescein staining test may be used to check for ulcers or scratches on the cornea. Additional tests such as bacterial cultures, sensitivity tests, allergy testing, conjunctival scrapings or biopsy may also be performed.

Treatment depends on the cause of the eye infection. Eye infections are usually treated with topical antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications in the form of drops or ointment. Because the eye is a very sensitive area and can be very painful, pets do not like things being placed in their eyes, so occasionally an internal antibiotic will be administered if you are unable to administer topical medications.

In more severe cases, surgery may also be performed. Your vet will show you how to clean the eye area and remove discharge with warm, clean water or a salt solution.

* The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements refer to holistic uses only and are not supported by medical research. The information contained in this plant file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease or condition.
* As indicated by holistic veterinarians.

All products are free of gluten, artificial flavors, colorants and preservatives. In accordance with our ‘Do No Harm’ policy, no animal testing is carried out whatsoever.